Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated nuclear receptors which regulate lipid and glucose metabolism as well as inflammation. In this presentation, we will review recent findings on the pathophysiological role of PPARs in the different stages of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), from steatosis development to steatohepatitis and fibrosis, as well as the preclinical and clinical evidences for potential therapeutical use of PPAR agonists in the treatment of NAFLD. PPARs play a role in modulating hepatic triglyceride accumulation, a hallmark of the development of NAFLD. Moreover, PPARs may also influence the evolution of reversible steatosis towards irreversible, more advanced lesions. Large controlled trials of long duration to assess the long-term clinical benefits of PPAR agonists in humans are ongoing.

Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatisis and CVD – Meta inflammatory disease

NAFL — abnormal Lipid accumulation

NASH >> Balooning, FIbrosis inflamation

Resolution of NASH is associated with reduction of Fibrosis (Golden – 505 trial)

FGF21 is a hormone with anti-obesity and hepatoprotective properties. However, the beneficial effects of FGF21 are limited by a relatively short half-life in circulation. We discovered that fibroblast activation protein (FAP), an endopeptidase overexpressed in liver with cirrhosis, cleaves and inactivates FGF21. Pharmacological inhibition of FAP increases endogenous levels of active FGF21, thus making FAP a promising target for the treatment of non-alcoholic-steatohepatitis (NASH).

NASH patients typically have metabolic syndrome including diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, and primarily die of cardiovascular disease. Hypothyroidism at the level of the thyroid gland and liver-specific hypothyroidism are common in NASH. Based on clinical and preclinical data, Thyroid receptor beta agonists decrease insulin resistance, reduce LDL-C, triglycerides fatty liver, inflammation and fibrosis in NASH. The target will also provide CV benefit to patients with NASH. MGL-3196 is a highly THR-ß selective liver-directed once daily oral medication that has shown excellent safety and lipid-lowering efficacy in humans; unlike prior thyroid receptor agonist(s), no cartilage findings in chronic toxicology or ALT increases in human studies. MGL-3196 is being advanced in Phase II studies in patients with genetic dyslipidemia or NASH.

Madrigal Portfolio of drugs:

MGL-3196: First-in-Class THR-Beta Agonist – discovered first at ROCHE – THR-beta selective targeted to the Liver – regulated by THR-Alpha – in Phase II – no side effects on bone